Whole-food beef protein and amino acid oxidation in young adults
Amino Acid Oxidation of Whole-Food Protein: a Dose-Response Crossover Trial in Young Adults
This test will see how three dinner doses of minced beef affect 24-hour amino acid oxidation in healthy 18–35-year-olds.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Maastricht University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Maastricht, Limburg) |
| Trial ID | NCT07547176 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In a randomized crossover design, 20 healthy young adults (ages 18–35) consume dinners providing 0.32, 0.74, and 1.32 g protein·kg body mass−1 (equivalent to 1, 2, and 4 minced beef patties) across three separate experimental visits. Amino acid oxidation from the ingested protein is measured over a 24-hour period after each meal. Participants serve as their own controls so dose-response relationships can be compared within individuals. The study focuses on whole-food protein (minced beef) rather than isolated protein supplements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy males and females aged 18–35 with BMI 18.5–30 kg/m2 who are recreationally active, consume beef, and are not taking medications that affect protein metabolism are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are vegan or vegetarian, smokers, pregnant women, those with diagnosed GI disorders, or those taking medications that affect protein metabolism are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help define practical whole-food protein portions that reduce amino acid waste and inform dietary protein recommendations for young adults.
How similar studies have performed: Prior dose-response studies using isolated proteins and mixed meals have shown dose-dependent amino acid oxidation, but comparable data using whole-food beef are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18-35 years * BMI between 18.5-30 kg/m2 * Healthy, recreationally active (exercise at least once per two weeks and a maximum of four days per week) * No physical limitations (i.e., able to perform all activities associated with daily living independently) Exclusion Criteria: * Smoking * Vegan, vegetarian, or does not consume beef protein * Diagnosed musculoskeletal disorders * Use of any medications known to affect protein metabolism (i.e., corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or prescribed acne medications) * Chronic use of gastric acid-suppressing medication or anti-coagulants * Unstable weight over the last three months * Diagnosed GI tract disorders or diseases * Blood donation in the past 2 months * Females: pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Maastricht, Limburg
- Maastricht University Medical Centre+ — Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Luc JC van Loon, PhD — Maastricht University
- Study coordinator: Julia M Malowany, MSc
- Email: julia.malowany@maastrichtuniversity.nl
- Phone: +31 43 388 1617
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.